Freedom of Speech: Censorship, Propaganda, Free Speech, and More
Freedom of speech in America is established in the very first amendment to the American Constitution: "Congress shall pass no law ... abridging the freedom of speech." Free speech is often regarded by many as one of their most important rights. At the same time, there are government efforts to regulate, restrict, or even prohibit a many types of speech - often with popular support.
Journalistic Duty & Press Freedom in the Wake of 9/11
Do journalists have a duty to get at the truth, even it's uncomfortable and contrary to the agenda of the government, or do journalists instead have a duty to support and defend that policies of the government? Many people seem to believe the latter, arguing that America has enemies who are only helped by criticism of the government.
Do journalists have a duty to get at the truth, even it's uncomfortable and contrary to the agenda of the government, or do journalists instead have a duty to support and defend that policies of the government? Many people seem to believe the latter, arguing that America has enemies who are only helped by criticism of the government.
Islamofascists Hate Us Because We Abuse Our Freedom
Ever since the terrorist attacks of Septemer 11, 2001, Americans have been asking why "they" hate us. Why would others hate America and Americans so much that they would launch such a violent and destructive attack? Americans operate from a naive premise of ethical purity...
Ever since the terrorist attacks of Septemer 11, 2001, Americans have been asking why "they" hate us. Why would others hate America and Americans so much that they would launch such a violent and destructive attack? Americans operate from a naive premise of ethical purity...
American Military & American Propaganda
No one will be surprised to hear that the American government generally and the military in particular have engaged in deliberate propaganda efforts. Despite this, few people are aware of the extent to which such propaganda efforts exist - and the sorts of propaganda which is created. Not to put too fine a point on it, but it appears that little which the government tells us can be trusted.
No one will be surprised to hear that the American government generally and the military in particular have engaged in deliberate propaganda efforts. Despite this, few people are aware of the extent to which such propaganda efforts exist - and the sorts of propaganda which is created. Not to put too fine a point on it, but it appears that little which the government tells us can be trusted.
Reporters' Privilege: How Far Does it Go?
There is a common belief that journalists have a special "privilege" to refuse to testify as to whom has given them information. In reality, there is very little protection for reporters - certainly not as much as is commonly assumed - and perhaps that's the way it should be.
There is a common belief that journalists have a special "privilege" to refuse to testify as to whom has given them information. In reality, there is very little protection for reporters - certainly not as much as is commonly assumed - and perhaps that's the way it should be.
Integrity, Doubt, and Academic Freedom
Gerd Lüdemann is a New Testament scholar who is a member of the theological faculty at the University of Göttingen, Germany. His studies led him to ultimately reject his earlier Christian faith and deny the divinity of Jesus; as a consequence, he lost his teaching position.
Gerd Lüdemann is a New Testament scholar who is a member of the theological faculty at the University of Göttingen, Germany. His studies led him to ultimately reject his earlier Christian faith and deny the divinity of Jesus; as a consequence, he lost his teaching position.
Court Decision: Cuffley v. Mickes (1999)
Does Free Speech extend even to those groups generally considered hateful and unacceptable by the public? Should all groups, whatever their political positions, be allowed to participate fully in government programs? Those questions were tested in this case, which pitted the Ku Klux Klan against a state government that didn't want them to receive publicity.
Does Free Speech extend even to those groups generally considered hateful and unacceptable by the public? Should all groups, whatever their political positions, be allowed to participate fully in government programs? Those questions were tested in this case, which pitted the Ku Klux Klan against a state government that didn't want them to receive publicity.
Court Decision: Free Speech Coalition v. Reno (1999)
The internet is an amazing resource for information - but it is also a resource for those who prey upon children. Because of that, the government has tried to find ways to protect children, but have government efforts gone too far and resulted in restrictions to material which adults deserve to see if they want? In particular, should the government outlaw "virtual child pornography"?
The internet is an amazing resource for information - but it is also a resource for those who prey upon children. Because of that, the government has tried to find ways to protect children, but have government efforts gone too far and resulted in restrictions to material which adults deserve to see if they want? In particular, should the government outlaw "virtual child pornography"?
Court Decision: FW/PBS, Inc. v. City of Dallas (1990)
Zoning and licensing are common means used by city governments to control and even eliminate sexually oriented businesses, based upon the common assumption that such businesses are inherently immoral and necessarily attract criminal activity. But just how far can local governments go in pursuit of this goal?
Zoning and licensing are common means used by city governments to control and even eliminate sexually oriented businesses, based upon the common assumption that such businesses are inherently immoral and necessarily attract criminal activity. But just how far can local governments go in pursuit of this goal?
Court Decision: Roth v. United States (1957)
What is obscenity? What makes something obscene? Just how far can the government regulate material deemed to be obscene? Can the government ban obscenities? These are all important questions because, if the government can ban something that the government itself judges "obscene," then that material falls completely outside the protection of the First Amendment.
What is obscenity? What makes something obscene? Just how far can the government regulate material deemed to be obscene? Can the government ban obscenities? These are all important questions because, if the government can ban something that the government itself judges "obscene," then that material falls completely outside the protection of the First Amendment.